Diarrhea is when your child has more than two very loose bowel movements in 1 day. For many children, diarrhea is mild and will pass within a few days. For others, it may last longer. It can make you feel weak and dried out (dehydrated). It can also lead to unhealthy weight loss.
A stomach or intestinal illness can cause diarrhea. It can be a side effect of medical treatments, such as antibiotics and some cancer treatments.
Below are some questions you may want to ask your doctor or nurse to help you take care of your child when he or she has diarrhea.
What foods can make my child's diarrhea worse? How should I prepare the foods that my child eats?
How much water or liquid should my child drink during the day? How can I tell when my child is not drinking enough? If my child will not drink, what are other ways to get my child enough fluids?
Is it safe to give my child medicines from the store that may help slow the diarrhea down?
Are there foods my child should eat to prevent too much weight loss?
Do any of the medicines, vitamins, herbs, or supplements my child is taking cause diarrhea? Should I stop giving my child any of them?
Does having diarrhea mean my child has a more serious medical problem?
When should I call the doctor?
What to ask your doctor about diarrhea - child; Loose stools - what to ask your doctor - child